Jordan: Immerse Yourself

Immerse Yourself!

Jordan is a kingdom of natural and cultural beauty where the oldest traditions of the region have managed to survive. We are committed to providing insight on the region in all of our programs and insist that our clients experience the aspects of Jordan that set it apart from, and unite it with, other countries in the Middle East. And one must not forget, while enriching the experiences of our clients we in turn enrich the lives of Jordanians!

Ajloun Trails

Ajloun’s Village Orchard trail is a forest trek that allows visitors to interact with and support the local community. Your trek will take place in the evergreen oak forests and lush orchards, which pass through Baoun, Rasoon, and Orjan villages. Upon arrival in Orjan, you will visit the soap- maker’s house where takes place a wonderful project supporting women from the local villages by way of natural olive oil soap production. After your visit, you will enjoy a traditional home- made brunch in the village!

Petra Kitchen

For many, this is the best meal to be had in Jordan! It is your chance to rub elbows with locals and fellow travelers while learning how to prepare a traditional Jordanian meal. You will be given the ingredients and instruction to create a dish in small groups. The best part is getting to eat the delicious food you made! In addition, you are able to take the night’s recipes home with you and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary talents.

You have the choice of two Dahabiya styles – one is wind-powered and the other is motor-driven.

Wind-powered Dahabiyas are available on a private basis for a minimum of 4 nights. They feature an array of en suite bedrooms with screened windows and, often times, air-conditioning. The living room and upper decks are the perfect places to relax while your private chef prepares the day’s dishes.

Motor-driven Dahabiyas are available on a shared or private basis for a minimum of 3 nights. They also feature a variety of en suite bedrooms with air-conditioning. Some of the Dahabiyas feature a Jacuzzi on the top deck and are, of course, fully staffed.

Please note that a minimum number of passengers are required for the boat to sail. We may be able to pair you with other interested parties. Wind-powered journeys commence in the North (Esna or Edfu) and end in the South (Kom Ombo or Aswan).

Sherina + Karma

Sherina is a beautifully well-kept home in the suburbs of Amman, giving visitors the opportunity to stay overnight in a real, Jordanian neighborhood. You will feel at home immediately as you are welcomed and looked after by Sherina’s owner, Ria. You will be close enough to the city to enjoy its highlights, as well as the nearby areas of Madaba, Mt Nebo, and the Dead Sea. While staying in the house you may also wish to have an in-home cooking lesson or catered evening by Al Karma Kitchen!

Al Karma Kitchen is one of the many projects created and funded by the Jordan River Foundation (JRF). The JRF was founded by Her Majesty Queen Rania in 1995. Karma Kitchen is a place where visitors can learn to prepare, or simply enjoy, a homemade Jordanian meal. The Al Karma house began as a way to empower the female Palestinian refugee population and now employs over 500 women from the impoverished surrounding suburbs.

This social initiative allows you to participate in what Zikra’s founder calls ‘exchange tourism’. During this exchange, you are given the opportunity to spend a day in the life of an average Ghor Mazraa inhabitant. Members of this Jordan valley community may teach you to prepare a local meal during tomato harvesting season or make traditional kohl (natural black eyeliner). The cost of the excursion provides those involved with compensation for their efforts and contributes to a micro-fund loan pool that provides much needed financing for small business ventures. Visitors not only depart Ghor Mazraa with new skills, but also with a better sense of the country and its varied inhabitants. The ambitious project is one that we are proud to support and eager to share with our clients.

Zikra Initiative

This social initiative allows you to participate in what Zikra’s founder calls ‘exchange tourism’. During this exchange, you are given the opportunity to spend a day in the life of an average Ghor Mazraa inhabitant. Members of this Jordan valley community may teach you to prepare a local meal during tomato harvesting season, make traditional kohl (natural black eyeliner), create kuffieh tassels, assemble decorations from recyclable materials, and much more. In exchange, visitors pay a nominal fee that is channeled into a microloan in addition to other economic and social development projects in the village.

Visitors not only depart Ghor Mazraa with new skills, but also with a better sense of the country and its varied inhabitants. The ambitious project is one that we are proud to support and eager to share with our clients.